Can You Save Gas With a Hybrid?

Hybrid vehicles allow you to make fewer trips to the gas pump.

Hybrid vehicles combine gas-powered engines and electric motors. The electric motor stores energy in batteries and reduces the vehicle's reliance on the engine, using less gas than a conventional vehicle. The vehicle model that you choose also determines how much fuel you'll save. (See References 1)

Traditional Hybrids

Hybrid vehicles store power in batteries, which allows them to have smaller engines without decreasing the vehicle's performance. A smaller engine translates into fuel savings. Traditional hybrid vehicles do not require plugging in to recharge their batteries. Instead, a regenerative braking system captures the energy normally lost during braking and uses it to power the vehicle during acceleration. Some hybrids can travel at low speeds entirely on battery power. (See References 1)

Plug-in Hybrids

Plug-in hybrids, a newer type of vehicle, recharge when you plug them into an electrical source. Plug-ins can travel at low and high speeds using only electricity. Vehicle owners who use renewable energy sources like wind and solar can recharge their vehicles with little to no emissions. (See References 2)

Fuel Savings

Both types of hybrid vehicles reduce fuel costs when compared to conventional vehicles. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that traditional hybrid vehicles use between 30 and 60 percent less fuel than conventional models (see References 2). Plug-in hybrids save at least 40 percent over conventional vehicles, estimates the U.S. Department of Energy (see References 3). The fuel to operate the average conventional vehicle costs between 10 and 15 cents per mile. Traditional hybrids cost between 5 and 7 cents per mile, and plug-in hybrids trim fuel costs even further to only 2 to 4 cents per mile, while operating on electricity. When operating on gasoline, a plug-in costs the same per mile to operate as a traditional hybrid (see References 3). Hybrid models cost more up-front than their conventional counterparts. In 2007, hybrid cars typically cost $3,500 more than conventional vehicles do. If you're looking to conserve gas to save money, you should consider the extra vehicle cost compared to the fuel savings and tax incentives. (See References 3)

Hybrid Models

Many hybrid models are available, from compact cars to pickup trucks and passenger vans. While hybrid models get better gas mileage than similar types of conventional vehicles, some classes get better gas mileage than others. For example, the Toyota Prius topped the EPA's 2011 fuel economy ratings at 48 miles per gallon on the highway and 51 miles per gallon in the city, but heavier hybrid vehicles often get fewer than 20 miles per gallon. Driving a hybrid truck or van, therefore, might use more fuel than driving a smaller compact car. For maximum fuel savings, choose an efficient vehicle class, as well as a hybrid engine. (See References 4)